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Government urged to scrap VAT on pet food
More than a quarter of owners are concerned about the growing expense of dog food.
“We think it’s only right the government should help offset the price of seeing this nation through the worst animal welfare crisis since the war” - Dogs Trust.

Dogs Trust has called on the Government to remove VAT from pet food in a bid to help struggling pet owners this winter.

The charity has written to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, asking the Government to recognise that rising dog food prices are contributing to “the country’s biggest animal welfare crisis for generations.”

It comes after Mr Hunt announced a £55 billion package of tax rises and spending cuts “to rebuild the public finances.”

As pet owners battle with the cost-of-living-crisis, Dogs Trust has already received an unprecedented amount of requests from individuals struggling to keep their dogs; the charity saw close to a 50 per cent rise this year in handover inquiries compared to 2021, and it fears that this could hit 50,000 inquiries by the end of December. 

Dogs Trust chief executive Owen Sharp said that a 20 per cent cost reduction could prove critical to many owners, and will offset spiralling prices to keep pet food affordable.

“With an estimated 12 million dogs in the UK, we think it’s only right the government should help offset the price of seeing this nation through the worst animal welfare crisis since the war, by cutting the 20 per cent VAT on pet food,” he said.

“With record numbers of people unable to afford their dogs, our priority is to keep dogs and families together. At Dogs Trust we’re doing all we possibly can but, Mr Hunt, we are calling on your help for the unseen victims of the cost-of-living crisis - our nation’s dogs.”

The most recent monthly survey of dog owners in the UK, conducted by YouGov on behalf of Dogs Trust, indicates that more than a quarter (23%) of owners are concerned about the growing expense of dog food.

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Survey launched to investigate EHV

News Story 1
 Zoetis has launched a new survey to identify management techniques for Equine Herpes Virus (EHV).

EHV is a contagious, airborne virus that can cause respiratory problems and severe diseases in horses and ponies. It spreads among horses over short distances, direct contact and through shared equipment.

The survey will explore current knowledge and management practices with EHV in the UK. It is quick to complete and participants could win one of 10 equine first aid kits.

Complete the survey here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
WSAVA launches pet travel guidance factsheet

A new pet travel guidance factsheet for veterinary professionals and caregivers has been developed by the WSAVA in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association.

The Dog and Cat Welfare During Transport factsheet provides step-by-step guidance for all stages of a journey, from pre-travel checklists to post-travel care.

Brachycephalic breeds or animals prone to travel-related anxiety are given special focus in this guide, which also provides links to IATA container regulation and WSAVA vaccination guidelines.